Accra: Right Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (rtd), Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG), has called on the government to maintain the status quo of mission schools. He emphasized that such measures would allow these institutions to preserve their religious identity and autonomy.
According to Ghana News Agency, Rt Rev Agbeko made the call in a release, expressing concerns over the Constitution Review Committee's recommendations. The committee suggested that participation in religious observance should be voluntary, allowing students to opt out without penalty, and that admissions, discipline, academic opportunities, and compulsory school activities should be conducted on neutral and non-discriminatory terms. Rt Rev Agbeko argued that these recommendations could lead to a loss of moral guidance, a decline in discipline, erosion of values, identity crises, parental dissatisfaction, and cultural dilution.
Rt Rev Agbeko highlighted ten key reasons why students admitted to mission schools should compulsorily observe the doctrines of the churches. He cited foundational values, parental choices, holistic development, community commitment, and respect for tradition as vital factors. Additionally, he pointed to moral guidance, part of an agreement, cultural preservation, a balanced environment, and expectation of clarity as crucial elements.
The Moderator noted that institutions like Mawuli, St. Augustine's, and Presbyterian Boys Senior High Schools were founded on specific Christian principles, and parents chose these schools for their values. He asserted that mission schools complemented the academic work of their students with spiritual growth. Students adhering to the doctrines of such schools demonstrated commitment, respect for traditions, and loyalty.
Rt Rev Agbeko further explained that the doctrines of churches provided a framework for ethical decisions and preserved the school's cultural heritage. He stated that enrollment implied an agreement to follow school rules, and compulsory observance ensured that faith and learning coexisted, helping students to maintain focus.
Reiterating the concerns of both the Christian Council of Ghana and the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, Rt Rev Agbeko stressed that government funding of mission schools did not equate to state ownership or control. He emphasized that mission schools should be allowed to maintain their Christian ethos.
He referenced the Memorandum of Understanding on Managing Religious Diversity in Mission Schools launched in 2024, which provided a framework for balancing the rights of students with the religious identity of mission schools. The Moderator warned that allowing students in faith-based institutions to voluntarily participate in school activities could promote indiscipline and lead to a decline in academic performance.